On Parliament Hill this week, NACC’s Board of Directors engaged directly with federal leaders through more than 20 meetings over two days to advance regulated career college advocacy and reinforce the sector’s role in Canada’s workforce strategy.
Members of the NACC board met with key stakeholders in Ottawa, including Members of Parliament, government officials, and decision makers, to discuss student access, workforce development, and the role regulated career colleges play in training Canadians for in-demand careers.
A Key Focus: Student Access and Federal Policy
At the centre of these discussions is a key issue shaping student access today: proposed changes to Canada Student Grant eligibility.
The proposed changes would remove grant eligibility for students attending career colleges. In March 2026, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development issued a unanimous report calling on the government to reconsider the decision, citing concerns related to fairness for students and potential impacts on workforce and skills shortages.
More recently, the federal government signalled a shift toward a labour market-focused approach, proposing exemptions for students enrolled in select high-demand programs, including nursing, dental hygiene, early childhood education, and paramedic training.
Against this backdrop, NACC used its time on the Hill to reinforce a clear message: student financial aid should consistently support high-quality training pathways that lead directly to employment in priority sectors.
“There is a clear opportunity to align student support with the realities of today’s labour market,” said NACC CEO Michael Sangster. “Regulated career colleges are a critical part of that solution: training Canadians for in-demand roles and delivering strong employment outcomes. Student aid policy should reflect and support that impact.”
Federal Recognition in the House of Commons
This alignment between policy discussions and workforce outcomes was reinforced at the federal level.
During a recent session in the House of Commons, Maggie Chi, Member of Parliament, recognized the important role career colleges play in Canada’s workforce strategy:
“Career colleges are an important part of Canada’s workforce strategy, delivering practical, hands-on training for jobs in high-demand sectors across the country. They expand training capacity, respond quickly to evolving industry needs, and create accessible pathways for working adults, newcomers, and career changers.”
Watch the full statement:
Impact of Regulated Career Colleges
This recognition aligns with recent graduate outcome data.
According to the 2025 NACC Graduate Survey conducted by Nanos Research (nacc.ca/survey), more than 80% of graduates are working in roles related to their field of study, and nearly 60% are employed within three months of graduation. The same survey also found that approximately 30% of graduates are hired before completing their program, and more than one-third transition directly from practicum placements into employment.
These outcomes reflect the role regulated career colleges play in delivering practical, employment-focused training that responds to labour market demand.
On the Ground in Ottawa
With these outcomes in mind, NACC’s Board used its time in Ottawa to engage directly with Members of Parliament and share how regulated career colleges contribute to workforce development across sectors such as healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and early childhood education.
These conversations focused on ensuring that policy decisions are informed by both labour market needs and measurable student outcomes.
Looking Ahead
NACC will continue working with government and partners to ensure that students can access training pathways that lead directly to employment in priority sectors, and that the role of regulated career colleges is clearly understood within Canada’s broader workforce strategy.
To find the latest news on our advocacy efforts, visit nacc.ca/advocacy
